How to Trim a Themed Tree: Interior Designer Ron Marvin Tells

Anyone can hang ornaments. It’s coordinating color and texture that can be challenging. The solution? Take cues from interior designer and Rue Living Inspirer Ron Marvin.

Make a tree look full and lush“Layer from the inside out. Start by nestling simple ball ornaments or other simple shapes deep inside the tree, in the openings, and save the ends of the branches for your more special, intricate, or heirloom pieces. They will catch the light and give your tree an abundant look.”

Add natural elements
“Try using real pinecones hung with thin wire and a ribbon bow, bundles of cinnamon sticks tied in string, or old-fashioned garlands made from cranberries or nuts. Dried fruits, such as pomegranates and oranges, also make for beautiful natural ornaments.”

Use a single-color palette
“Try thinking outside the box and using unconventional items in the hue, like real chandelier crystals, colored feathers, sharpened colored pencils hung like icicles, or even broaches as ornaments.”

Ribbon with abandon
“Whether you tie simple bows on branches or use French Wired Ribbon as garland around the tree – or even drape it down the tree, working it through the branches – you will add a beautiful pop of color, and it can be used year after year.”

Switch up toppers
“While the traditional star or angel works beautifully, think about using a bird, a hat, or a bow. If it’s a tree for a child’s room, try an action figure or doll as the topper. Be creative.”

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Ron Marvin Design is a New York City–based interior-design firm. Traditional Home magazine recently named him one of their Top 20 New Traditionals, showcasing him in the launch of their new online magazine, Trad Home. Ron’s work has also been featured in Lonny Magazine and The New York Times. His New York and San Francisco homes have been shown in Metropolitan Home magazine and on the HGTV show “Small Space, Big Style.” Prior to opening his firm, Ron worked for over 12 years in the visual merchandising departments at Gap, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, Hold Everything, and Williams-Sonoma Home.